Commenting on the struggles of provision shops to keep open, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship Chen Liang said delivery options from minimart chains and convenience stores operating around the clock had further piled the pressure on small shops. He added that a lot of provision shops work because the family isn't really paying itself as the next generation can earn far more elsewhere, so nobody takes over. Assoc Prof Chen noted that a smaller number of shops with multiple income streams and specialised products, such as rolling paper and henna, would have a chance to remain in business. To keep rents low for provision shops, Assoc Prof Chen suggested setting aside some units in each precinct for provision shops and charging rent based on turnover instead of area.
